Magyar Idők suggests Fidesz’s sudden shift on the shopping ban law is a show of the party’s commitment to democracy, while Népszabadság and Magyar Nemzet see more mundane reasons behind the decision. READ MORE

Hungary’s top court has authorised an opposition referendum designed to overturn the government ban on shops opening on Sundays. In response, commentators who have for years complained about ‘the end of the rule of law’, express both surprise and cautious satisfaction. READ MORE

A left-wing columnist accuses the government of responsibility for the layoff of five hundred employees as Tesco announces its decision to shut down 13 stores in Hungary. His pro-government counterpart believes that the unprofitable stores are to be closed down in a move of financial prudence and on account of the global problems of the London-based multinational. READ MORE

As plans to close stores on Sundays are announced a liberal weekly accuses the government of acting mindlessly. A right-wing commentator, on the other hand, believes that the government has a simple and pragmatic reason for the ban: making sure that multinational retail chains will pay taxes. READ MORE

The main pro-government daily cautions against a hasty decision on ordering department stores and hypermarkets to be closed on Sundays. The commentator cautiously criticises contradictory statements made by leading politicians on the matter. READ MORE